Exams and Tests

The health care provider will listen to your child's chest with a stethoscope. The provider will listen for crackles or abnormal breath sounds. Tapping on the chest wall (percussion) helps the provider listen and feel for abnormal sounds.

If pneumonia is suspected, the provider will likely order a chest x-ray.

Bronchoscopy -- a flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end passed down into the lungs (in rare cases)

Removing fluid from the space between the outside lining of the lungs and the chest wall (in rare cases)

Treatment

The provider must first decide whether your child needs to be in the hospital.

If treated in the hospital, your child will receive:

Fluids, electrolytes, and antibiotics through the veins or mouth

Oxygen therapy

Breathing treatments to help open up the airways

Your child is more likely to be admitted to the hospital if he:

Has another serious medical problem

Has severe symptoms

Is unable to eat or drink

Is less than 3 to 6 months old

Has pneumonia due to a harmful germ

Has taken antibiotics at home, but isn't getting better

If your child has CAP caused by bacteria, he will be given antibiotics. Antibiotics are not given for pneumonia caused by a virus. This is because antibiotics do not kill viruses. Other medicines, such as antivirals, may be given if your child has the flu.

Many children can be treated at home. If so, your child may need to take medicines such as antibiotics or antivirals.

When giving antibiotics to your child:

Make sure your child does not miss any doses.

Make sure your child takes all the medicine as directed. Do not stop giving the medicine, even when your child starts feeling better.

Do not give your child cough medicine or cold medicine unless your doctor says it is OK. Coughing helps the body get rid of mucus from the lungs.

Breathing warm, moist (wet) air helps loosen the sticky mucus that may make your child feel like she is choking. These steps may help:

Place a warm, wet washcloth loosely over your child's nose and mouth.

Fill a humidifier with warm water and have her breathe in the warm mist.

Have your child take a couple of deep breaths 2 or 3 times every hour. Deep breaths will help open up your child's lungs.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids, as long as the provider says it is OK.

Drink water, juice, or weak tea

Drink at least 6 to 10 cups a day

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest when she goes home. Have her take naps, if needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most children improve in 7 to 10 days with treatment. Children who have severe pneumonia with complications may need treatment for 2 to 3 weeks. Children at risk for severe pneumonia include:

Children whose immune system does not work well

Children with lung or heart disease

Possible Complications

In some cases, more serious problems may develop, including:

Life-threatening changes in the lungs that require a breathing machine (ventilator)

The provider may order another x-ray. This is to make sure that your child's lungs are clear. It may take many weeks for the x-ray to clear up. Your child may feel better for awhile before the x-rays are clear.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call the provider if your child has the following symptoms:

Bad cough

Difficulty breathing (wheezing, grunting, rapid breathing)

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Fever and chills

Breathing (respiratory) symptoms that get worse

Chest pain that gets worse when coughing or breathing in

Signs of pneumonia and a weak immune system (such as with HIV or chemotherapy)

Worsening symptoms after starting to get better

Prevention

Teach older children to wash their hands often:

Before eating food

After blowing their nose

After going to the bathroom

After playing with friends

After coming in contact with people who are sick

Vaccines may help prevent some types of pneumonia. Be sure to get your child vaccinated with: